Three Indian seafarers have lost their lives and one is currently missing following a series of maritime attacks in the Gulf region. The Ministry of Shipping confirmed that these incidents involved foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew members. Out of the 78 Indian seafarers present on these affected ships, 70 managed to escape unharmed while four others sustained injuries and are currently in stable condition.
What happened to the Indian crew on foreign vessels?
The recent escalation in the Persian Gulf has directly impacted Indians working on international cargo ships. Official data from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways shows that 78 Indians were involved in recent incidents over the last few days. The most severe attack took place on March 11, 2026, when a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel named MT Safesea Vishnu was targeted near Basra, Iraq. An explosive-laden remote-controlled speedboat hit the US-owned ship, resulting in the death of one Indian crew member. Overall, the recent attacks have claimed three Indian lives across different foreign vessels, with search operations ongoing for one missing sailor.
Are Indian-flagged ships safe in the Gulf region?
While foreign-flagged vessels have faced attacks, Indian-flagged ships navigating the same waters remain safe. Currently, there are 28 Indian-flagged ships operating in the Persian Gulf region, carrying a total of 778 Indian seafarers. Out of these, 24 vessels are operating west of the Strait of Hormuz with 677 crew members, and 4 vessels are east of the Strait with 101 crew members. The government is actively tracking all these 28 vessels and has confirmed that none of them have reported any casualties or boarding attempts so far.
What actions is the government taking for rescue and safety?
The government has activated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of the Indian diaspora and maritime workers in West Asia. The Directorate General of Shipping has issued a new safety advisory mandating all vessels in high-risk areas to maintain strict surveillance and continuous bridge watches. A Quick Response Team headed by Captain PC Meena has been formed to provide immediate medical help and facilitate the evacuation of stranded seafarers. Additionally, 24-hour control rooms are now operational to coordinate rescue efforts and support the families of the affected crew members. Officials also confirmed that port operations in India remain stable, and major ports are assisting exporters to avoid trade disruptions.
